Over 70 + Voices, But, what the hell do I do with them?

[PaulWatersVoiceOvers]

I want you to record a 3 minute video of you doing nothing more than turning on a mic with no practice, no pre thought out ideas, no nothing, hit record and make it all up every voice, thats all, try it, see if you can. If you can, I will believe you a talent, until then, you have no magic. "I am not saying I am good, so, if you know so much then do it" you wont, why? because you cant. I am Challenging you, I am almost certain you will not accept, however, I would like to see what you can do WITHOUT a script, flat out, no rules, DO IT hotshot, lets see if your as "Knowledgable as you say" Knowledge can only take you so far, there no magic in it.

[PaulWatersVoiceOvers]

Excuse my not "Spell checking"

[Yonie]

Are you really getting defensive towards people who are trying to give you advice? They are helping you out, Paul. While good improv skills are a great tool to have, you will be judged on the fact if you can bring a script to life or not.

As I've had two really rough weeks, I'm not going to write anymore at the moment. This forum does not need any vitriol, as it is truly a place of great information.

[Oonter]

Hey there . . . a few good sites to visit for non-paying gigs:
http://<a href="http://www.voiceacti...ngclub.com</a>
http://<a href="http://www.voiceacti...liance.com</a>

Great places to get some experience. There are also guides there on making a proper DIY character demo reel (eg. 7:30 is wayyyyy too long).

Wow... never knew about these sites. Looks like a great place to get some quick gigs and experience.

[Jacoby]

Paul, first of all please read the Private Message I just sent you.

Now, what you really need to understand, is that the only one having something to prove, is you. Certainly not people like Scott Pollak and J.S. Gilbert!
So here's a challenge for you.
Why don't you Google "voice talent agencies" (there are hundreds) and send all of them your 7-minute demo reel. Then, in a few months, please tell us how many replies you got.

Right now, you seem to have NO clue whatsoever what this is all about. We could help you, but you don't seem particularly willingly to listen. Scott spend several minutes of his precious time to give you very good advice, and you went defensive. Why is that? Why is it you think you have a shot at this, when people who have invested a lot of time and money in their careers by taking acting classes, worked with coaches, read books and practiced for years, are struggling to make it into voice acting? Why is it you think that being able to speak in various funny voices without a script for 7+ minutes has anything to do with voice acting? It doesn't!

If you want to learn, listen up. If you expect to take over the voice acting industry with your 7-minute funny voices demo and that alone, good luck.

[Kristin Lennox]

I want you to record a 3 minute video of you doing nothing more than turning on a mic with no practice, no pre thought out ideas, no nothing, hit record and make it all up every voice, thats all, try it, see if you can. If you can, I will believe you a talent, until then, you have no magic.

No -- if he can, that would make him an IMPROV ACTOR. A working voice actor does not need to have the particular skill set you're describing. I've been a voice actor for close to twenty years, and I've NEVER been asked to wing it into a microphone...

Another characteristic that serves an actor well -- any actor -- is a thick skin. If you're going to get prickly over an opinion on the internet, Paul, you have a LONG road ahead of you...

[Scott Pollak]

I cant find an agent...

That kinda says it all. As does this:

... no practice, no pre thought out ideas, no nothing

I have no need to get into a pissing match with an unknown who has no agent and doesn't care to listen to helpful advice. In the meantime, I'll continue recording my audiobooks for audible.com, my ongoing narrations for Wells-Fargo, Cisco Systems, Publix Supermarkets and so on. And my occasional national commercials, such as the ones running now on Fox News for Humana and my daily work for NPR, Atlanta. In other words, I'll spend my time more productively working FULL TIME as a successful voice talent, rather than trying to offer real-world, helpful advice to someone who apparently doesn't want it. Again, I reference the first line you wrote:

"I can't find an agent".

GL, Paul. You're going to need it. And don't change a thing about your 'demo'. It's perfect.

[Bob Bergen]

Hey Paul! I popped you an email. Check it out and get back to me if you'd like. ;-)

[Lapianoman]

Consider yourself very fortunate Paul...I've never had Bob Bergen email me!


You'd really do well to heed the advice given to you already (in addition to whatever Bob had to offer.) Sometimes it's a bitter pill we have to swallow.

[Jacoby]

Consider yourself very fortunate Paul...I've never had Bob Bergen email me!

LOL!!!!!!!!!! I was thinking the exact same thing myself!!!